With mirrored solar wings, the zero-emission Pegasus super yacht can blend in with the ocean and has an onboard Zen garden. Rose Dykins reports
International designer Jozeph Forakis has unveiled plans for Pegasus, the world’s first 3D-printed yacht that is designed to be “virtually invisible” – both visually and environmentally.
Set to launch by 2030, the 88-metre superyacht’s construction uses robotic 3D printing to create a mesh framework integrating both hull and superstructure. Its strong, lightweight structure can be produced using less energy, material, waste, space, and time compared to conventional construction.
The futuristic yacht was conceived on a beach in Koufonissi island, Greece. “I was inspired to create a yacht as close to the sea and nature as possible, made of clouds floating above the waterline,” Forakis says, “I wanted to honour nature by blending into it, becoming virtually invisible.”
This desire for “invisibility” drove Forakis and his team to develop a true zero emissions yacht incorporating a range of advanced technologies – some existing and some currently in development – that promises new levels of sustainability, range and structural integrity.
Pegasus has a low, linear hull with a plumb bow and silvery, metallic finish that blends with the ocean’s reflective surface and colours. The yacht’s exterior features multi-tiered wings structure with mirrored glass reflects the sky, clouds and surrounding environment.
The lattice framework of Pegasus’s 3D-printed structure becomes visible through the reflective glass at certain angles and lighting conditions. The triangulated structure lets light penetrate all levels of the interior, while framing the ocean views in all directions.
The glass also incorporates transparent solar panels to power electrolyzers that extract hydrogen from seawater. This hydrogen is converted to electricity and stored in Li-on batteries for powering azimuth pods and the ship’s operating systems. This green technology allows the ship to produce zero emissions and have a virtually unlimited range.
Forakis says: “Now is the time for courageous leaps towards our collective sustainable future. Pegasus is a bold but achievable vision for the near future of the superyacht industry, where man and machine live in harmony with nature rather than competing or compromising it.
The centrepiece of Pegasus’s interior design is the multi-level “Tree of Life”, a hydroponic garden that provides fresh food and purifies the surrounding air. The base of the tree emerges from a reflecting pool on the ship’s lower deck and is surrounded by the hydroponic and meditation Zen garden. The tree extends vertically through all four levels accompanied by a sculptural spiral staircase.
The ship’s spacious guest lounges combine minimalist design and greenery, offering uninterrupted views in all directions and copious natural light.
The top level is exclusive to the owner, with forward-facing master-suite that has a large private terrace.
The pool club has an aquarium-style lap pool and expansive horizontal windows that transform into open balconies on both port and starboard. When closed, the pool cover functions as the helipad.
At the aft of the ship, the open beach club has an oversized spa bath and fold-down balconies that transform into an enclosed solarium with sliding glass panels.